Vector graphics are often viewed to be in the shadow of their pixelated peers. Yet for certain designs they can help your creativity and make life easier.
In comparison to pixel graphics, vectors are extremely flexible, particularly when editing and printing images. This is what makes them so useful for you and your designs. They can be printed using flex and flocking process, giving buyers of your designs even more options for customization. But let’s start with a question.
What are the advantages of vector graphics?
For a more in-depth look at the differences between vector and pixel graphics, have a look at this article. Here’s a quick summary:
- Pixel graphics, such as photos, are made up of thousands of dots of color (pixels). The more pixels a photo has the better the resolution. Better resolution means higher quality if you’re wanting to enlarge the image. However, photos with higher resolution produce bigger files. And bigger files, as we all know, can quickly fill up your smartphone memory.
- Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made up of geometrical shapes. These shapes are based upon mathematical formulas. This means there are no issues when it comes to enlarging or shrinking pictures. The files are also very small, and you can also change the colors in the files easily. As such, even buyers of your designs can change them directly on the marketplace.
You’re now keen to get into the vector graphics game? Then check out our insight into some of the best vector graphics programs around. Find the one which is best for you, it’s that simple.
Commercial Programs for Vector Graphics
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the undisputed market leader for vector graphics programs. The software is easy to use, and the tools, features, and community support are great. Sadly it’s not the cheapest and the range of functions can be a little overwhelming for beginners.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Advanced/professional
Link: https://www.adobe.com/
Tutorial: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/tutorials-explore.html
2. Corel Draw
The range of functions from Corel Draw is a bit more modest than top dogs Adobe. But there is still a lot to fulfil almost all your vector needs. The program allows illustrators to design a user interface that works for them. If you buy Corel Draw as a packet graphic suite, it’s a lot cheaper.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Beginner to professional
Link: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/
Tutorial: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/learn/tutorials/
3. Affinity Designer
Another strong alternative to Illustrator or Corel Draw is Affinity Designer. It doesn’t have such an endless range of functions like the previous two examples, but it has more than enough for quick and effective, creative projects.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Beginner to professional
Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/
Tutorials: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/learn/
4. Sketch
Although Sketch was actually developed for UX and web designers, it actually works nicely as a platform for creating printable vector files.
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System: Mac
Designer skill level: Beginner to advanced
Link: https://www.sketch.com/
Tutorials: https://www.sketch.com/blog/sketch-tutorials/
5. Boxy SVG
This program is minimalistic and focused on usability, making it ideal for those starting out with vector graphics.
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Systems: All including a web app
Designer skill level: Beginner
Link: https://boxy-svg.com/app or in the app store
Tutorials: https://boxy-svg.com/tutorials
6. Graphic
A nice tool for drawing vector graphics, designed for Apple users.
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Systems: MacOS & iOS
Designer skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Link: https://www.graphic.com/
Tutorials: https://www.graphic.com/tutorials/
Free Software
7. Vectornator
Vectornator is an amazing, tool for creating illustrations, logos and typefaces on Apple devices.
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Systems: MacOS & iOS
Designer skill level: Beginner to professional
Link: Find it in the Apple store
Tutorials: https://www.vectornator.io/learn
8. Inkscape
Inkscape is the most well-known of the free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator. Mastering this program can take time but once users have gotten used to it, great designs and illustrations can be made.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Beginner
Link: https://inkscape.org/
Tutorials: https://inkscape.org/learn/?switchlang=en
9. Vectr
Vectr is a great tool if you don’t have any experience in designing vector graphics. It’s got all the important basic functions for all the amateur designers out there. Get it as a web app or in the desktop version.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Beginner
Link: https://vectr.com
Tutorials: https://design.vectr.com/tutorials/
10. Gravit Designer
The basic version from Gravit Designer is a free web app which you can use with any system. Just like Vectr, it only offers basic functions.
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Systems: All
Designer skill level: Beginner
Link: https://www.designer.io/en/
Tutorials: https://www.designer.io/en/tutorials/
These 10 software tips will set you up nicely to begin designing some amazing vector graphics. Maybe you already have some experience with these programs and have some further tips? Let us know in the comments. If you’re more interested in pixel graphics, then check out the top 10 list we made for them.
Useful.thanks
Great Tips! Thanks!